With ongoing societal issues like bullying and youth mental health concerns, teaching empathy to children is more important than ever

Empathy is the ability to put yourself in someone’s shoes and understand what they are going through; it’s the ability to feel what they are feeling. Why is empathy so important? With ongoing societal issues like bullying and youth mental health concerns, teaching empathy to children is more important than ever.

Empathetic people have the ability to connect with others on a deeper level and can lead to individuals being helpful, involved and invested in other people. In our social society where we have to rely on each other, empathy is an increasingly important tool to connect with the world.

Empathy and kindness

You might have spent your childhood listening to a parent or other adult in your life remind you to mind your manners and speak kindly. Kindness plays an important part in showing empathy. When we are kind, we are engaging in that “tuning in phase” where we can pay attention and try to understand someone else’s experience or emotions. When we notice and understand, we are compelled to act, and that act often takes the form of kindness.” (Kylie Rymanowicz)